Essential Secrets 12: Focus on the Solution, not the Problem

29 October 2016

Essential Secrets

Compliments of performance coach/bassist David Motto

Secret 12:Focus on the Solution, not the Problem

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Looking forward instead of backward

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From day one of playing music, bassists focus on their difficulties. It’s actually the norm
for musicians to think exclusively about their problems. Consider this: Concert reviewers are
called critics, not commentators. Musicians expect to hear negative criticism, and this
expectation is alive and well in the practice room—where you are your own critic.

There’s no reason to be negative about your own playing. Thinking only about your
problems makes you dwell on the past (when the difficulty was still a part of your playing)
and is not the best use of your time. Working on solutions gives you a game plan to propel
you forward (to a time when the problem is erased). Solving problems will inspire you to get
a lot accomplished quickly.

This is a practical guide to focusing on solutions in your bass playing:
1. Whenever you come across a specific problem, immediately define what your
playing would be like if that problem did not exist. For example, if you are
having difficulty leaping to a high note, tell yourself that your goal is to play
that high note easily and gracefully.
2. After defining the playing goal, feel and hear the music correctly in your
mind. Visualize yourself playing flawlessly.
3. Create a specific exercise that will allow you to play without the particular
problem. In the above example, try slowly sliding up to the high note, making
sure you control your stopping point.
4. After you know that your particular target note is playable (that is, you are
physically capable of reaching it and know the exact fret you’re aiming for),
then you can begin to work on the shift itself.
5. Continuously repeat steps 1 – 4.

You can use these steps for any difficulty you encounter while practicing. Every
technical problem has a solution. Your job is to find it.